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Photos: Celebrating Santa Lucia at the Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis celebrates the holiday with a performance by a youth choir, and a procession led by the year's Lucia, attendant and Head Starboy. Each year, hundreds pack the institute to watch the holiday celebration.

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Youth of all ages line up before the Lucia procession at the American Swedish Institute on Dec. 13, 2013.Nikki Tundel / MPR News

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Elsa Ornberg, 7, gets help with her costume on Dec. 13, 2013.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Young participants play different roles associated with a Swedish Christmas. Anders Ekstrom (center), 6, is dressed as a Star Boy.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Performers sing songs in both English and Swedish.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Linnea Peterson is the 2013 Lucia. The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis awards the honor based on personal and academic achievements and involvement with the institute.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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The choir consisted of 75 kids. They performed to the light of electric candles.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Guests on the second floor watch as young performers make their way to the first floor of the mansion at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Two hundred people attended the Lucia event on Dec. 13, 2013.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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In the past, Lucia events used real, lit candles. Today electric candles are the standard.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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The Lucia tradition has been carried on at ASI "forever." But it's been presented in its current form for more than 30 years.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Petra Ekstrom, 7, poses for a photo on a Swedish dala horse.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Siri Ornberg, 5, enjoys a traditional St. Lucia bun under the stairwell of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Participants head home after the Lucia performance.Nikki Tundel / MPR News